Youth Leadership in Prevention (YLP) programs in schools will empower students (grades 6-12) to create peer-to-peer supports, prevention messaging, and programming that decreases drug and alcohol use while promoting mental wellness. This program will be student-led but adult-supported. The Youth Prevention Leadership program should install a leadership team of students with a faculty or staff advisor. The YLP students will be empowered to identify problems and supports that fit the culture of their school community, though each program must include a drug and alcohol prevention component. This grant can be applied for new or existing prevention programming.

As a part of their YLP program, advisers will assist students as they learn the science and importance of prevention, the data related to substance use and mental health issues in Montgomery County, and proven techniques to mitigate substance use and mental health disorders. Students will also review and understand various mental health and substance use disorders, learn strategies to implement prevention programs and messaging, and understand best practices in peer-to-peer communication. The program's goal is to train student leaders on the importance of prevention in schools and empower those leaders to facilitate peer-to-peer conversations that reach the larger student population.